SYLVANIA, Ohio — Sweden’s Linn Grant shrugged off a near four-hour weather delay to torch Highland Meadows for a nine-under par 62 that gave her a six-shot lead in the US LPGA Dana Open on Saturday.
Grant had an “amazing” hole out for eagle and eight birdies, but her hopes of joining compatriot Annika Sorenstam as the only players in LPGA history to shoot 59 evaporated with a bogey at the 16th hole.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old was more than impressive on a long and demanding day in Sylvania, Ohio, where she said the weather delay actually helped her.
“I played really well those first seven holes, but at the same time I felt like I didn’t really have control over my swing,” she said.
“So coming in and then getting to go to the range again and warm-up and sort of get focused again, that really helped,” added the Swede, whose 18-under par total of 195 put her six ahead of a group of five players on 201.
Filipinas Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanganan suffered similar fates. Ardina had a 71 on four birdies and as many bogeys to slide 16 shots off Grant at joint 52nd.
Pagdanganan faltered with a 74 for joint 66th following a round that was marred by five bogeys.
Allisen Corpuz, who captured her first major title at the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach on Sunday, headlined that group after a 68.
Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou carded a 65 for her share of second while Finland’s Matilda Castren, Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Mexico’s Maria Fassi all carded 67s to reach 12-under.
Grant, who started the day two off the lead held by Annie Park, was unfazed by steady rainfall as she birdied four straight holes from the second through the fifth.
She had a two-shot lead through seven holes when play was suspended.
She stretched her lead with a birdie at the ninth and at the par-four 11th her second shot from the fairway bounced softly on the green and spun back into the cup for an eagle.
